Women’s Health

I Have PCOS, What Now?

At 19 I was diagnosed with PCOS. My periods were irregular and when they did come the experience was so distressing that the first day was always met with dread. It was difficult to discuss with anyone what I was going through especially when my own GP didn’t believe me. ‘Everyone gets cramps’, I was told in response to my complaint. But I was lucky that I was eventually seen by a specialist that noted some of my symptoms were abnormal and needed investigating. Coarse facial hair, thinning scalp hair, and painful irregular periods, ones which always led me to faint on the first day.

After years of suffering with this, I was grateful for the diagnosis. I had PCOS, poly-cystic ovary syndrome. I was advised by the specialist doctor that the contraceptive pill would control my symptoms. Unfortunately, I wasn’t informed any further about what a PCOS diagnosis would mean.

-Ella Wright

While PCOS is a common hormonal condition, it carries with it broad range of health implications. The presenting symptoms include:

-       Irregular periods (ovulatory disfunction)

-       Excess facial hair

-       Hair loss

-       Acne

-       Infertility

-       Darkening of skin due to insulin resistance

Overall

Other features of PCOS include higher levels of male hormones (androgens). These women are also under higher risks endometrial cancer , infertility and complications in pregnancy. Research also shows that PCOS is associated with weight gain and obesity  and often insulin resistance. These open up a greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Tests to confirm PCOS

-Medical History

-Physical Exam

-Blood tests- checking for hormones

-Ultrasound of ovaries

Once a diagnosis is confirmed

-exercise plan- (best for managing the condition)

-regular glucose tolerance testing – diabetes screening

-screening for metabolic syndrome

-testing for diabetes & heart disease

-supporting with pregnancy plans